If anything hearing aids are getting more expensive. Mine were close to 6 grand. Sure you can get the el cheapo ones that do not more than amplify sound but good hearing aids do a lot more than that, they can allow you to hear a conversation in a crowded room where the cheapos will just let you hear a lot of noise. Mine are also to help with tinnitus, they play un synchronize chimes very lowly to help combat hearing the ringing or hissing of tinnitus. When it comes to hearing aids, you get what you pay for has meaning.